Cynthia Elaine Bridges

An Obituary for Cynthia Elaine Bridges 

Sunrise: December 25, 1960 – Sunset: April 9, 2025 

Cynthia Elaine Bridges, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 64. Born on Christmas Day, in 1960, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Hettie Logan Bridges and Horace Bridges, Sr., Cynthia’s life was a shining testament to purpose, passion, and unwavering faith. 

Cynthia matriculated through the Chicago Public Schools, received her bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University and master’s degree from Northwestern University. A dedicated music educator for over 30 years, Ms. Bridges brought light, joy, and deep understanding to generations of students. She believed that music was more than art—it was a universal bond, a healing force, and a language of the soul. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom as she became a cherished vocal coach for over two decades, helping countless singers and songwriters discover their voices and refine their gifts. 

Equally known for her spiritual leadership, Elder Bridges (affectionately called “Pastor C”) served as an ordained minister for more than 40 years. Through prayer, mentorship, and the teaching of the Gospel of Christ, she was a beacon of wisdom, strength, and compassion. She carried her calling with grace and a profound sense of responsibility, never wavering in her devotion to God or to the people she guided. 

Later in life, Cynthia embraced a new calling—teaching the importance of rest, stillness, and inner reflection. She created and lived by a "rest protocol," encouraging others to slow down and reconnect with themselves. 

Though her public presence was filled with power and poise, behind closed doors she was a woman who loved simple pleasures: walking, traveling, and cherishing the company of close friends. Every step she took was purposeful, and every life she touched was changed. 

Cynthia is lovingly survived by her son, Orlando McLin, and his wife, Araceli; her treasured grandchildren, Jayla, Kaleb, and Viviana McLin; her brothers, Edward Bridges and his wife Kathleen, and Lorenzo Bridges; her sister, Udora Hugee and her husband, Robert; and her sister-in-love, Darnella Bridges, wife of her late brother Horace Bridges, Jr. She is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all of whom she held close in her heart. 

Cynthia is also survived by her former congregations and affiliations—Tabernacle Baptist Church, First Pentecostal Community Church, Royal Remnant Church, Rising Star Baptist Church, the Doris Ward Workshop Chorale and The Rest Tribe—who will miss her deeply. Her spirit will live on through the countless lives she has pastored, mentored, nurtured, and inspired. 

A memorial service to honor Cynthia’s life will be held at Brings Chapel on Broadway in Tucson, Arizona, with the homegoing celebration to be held in Chicago, Illinois. In these sacred gatherings, we will celebrate her journey and hold close the many memories she left us. 

As she once said in a now-viral quote: "No one else is YOU, and that is your super power." 

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. And if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take…SELAH.